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I’d seen him in the park, writing furiously in his worn leather notebook.

He’s pure confidence, born and bred in high society with eyes like a hawk—observant, cunning, and wicked. With sensual lips and a body made to worship, he’s exquisite. A work of art.

While I’m young, innocent, and completely out of my depth.

But I’m drawn to him. Captivated by his approach. When he asks for one night, I have only one word for him.

Yes.

One summer in Paris. One night with him. One cruel night.

One Cruel Night by K.A. Linde is a prequel to her new Cruel Trilogy. The first full novel of the trilogy will be Cruel Money, and it’s due out January 22, 2019. I’m currently reading the first book in the trilogy, and I’m glad I read the prequel first. (Readers don’t have to read the prequel though before Cruel Money.) I prefer to read prequels because I love how prequels can introduce to characters and how they first met or even provide us with some of the storylines that will flow right into the first full-length novel. In the case of One Cruel Night is a look back to how Natalie met Penn in Paris, France.

Natalie is in Paris but hasn’t experienced it, and she’s due to leave soon to go back to the states for school. She ends up meeting a gorgeous stranger who she has seen previously in the park. Natalie hasn’t had many adventures in her life, until now when she meets the gorgeous stranger at a party. He’s willing to show her around Paris since she hasn’t experienced the city yet and she’s due to leave soon for the states.

Since this a short novella, I don’t want to give too much away. You don’t have to read One Cruel Night to read Cruel Money when it’s due out this month. Although, you may miss out on some very steamy moments between the two main characters. You’ll also miss out on some the adventures that Natalie goes on when the gorgeous stranger shows her around, and then she does something out of the normal for her.

Natalie is sweet and innocent, and the stranger is mysterious and handsome. Both complete opposites, but fate has put them in the same spot together, so Natalie can finally experience life outside of her innocent world.

Overall, this is an excellent opener to the Cruel Trilogy. I’m looking forward to diving into Cruel Money and find out what happens next to the characters.

I give the book 5 stars and also give it another 5 stars with the steaminess of some of the scenes between the characters. It may be a short novella, but it provides enough insight into the world that K.A. Linde has written.

If you are anxiously waiting for Cruel Money to release, then I highly recommend reading the novella first. It’s FREE currently as of 1.10.2019.

I guess I should type a bio here. I'm FranJessca or Fran for short. I'm the owner of Book Lovin' Mamas and main Reviewer. I've been reviewing books since I got out of the Navy in 2011. Now 8 years later, I'm still reviewing, but this time with my youngest sidekick.When I'm not reading and reviewing, you can find me at my day job during the week and on the weekend taking care of our little farm.